Trump Announces Deal to Reopen Government for Three Weeks

WASHINGTON – Congressman Greg Gianforte released the following statement regarding the deal President Trump announced to temporarily reopen the government:

“This short-term deal ends the shutdown and provides Montana’s dedicated federal employees with the paychecks they need. The deal also gives Democrats and Republicans an opportunity to come to the table, negotiate in good faith, and find a long-term solution to fund the government and secure our borders. Based on what I saw when I toured the southern border this week and talked with ranchers and border patrol agents about the challenges they face, we can’t afford to have open borders, and we must make critical investments in substantial, strong physical barriers to secure them.”

Senator Steve Daines provided this comment following the President’s speech:

“I’m happy to see the government re-open. Both sides need to continue to negotiate and compromise in good faith so we can have a permanent & real solution to keep the government open and secure our borders.”

On Friday afternoon in the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump faced a group of reporters for a hastily called address to inform then that a plan has been reached to reopen the federal government for three weeks.

“I am very proud to announce today that we have reached a deal to end the shutdown and reopen the federal government,” said President Trump. “As everyone knows, I have a very powerful alternative, but I didn’t want to use it at this time, and hopefully, it will be unnecessary. In a short while, I will sign a bill that will open our government for three weeks, and I will make sure that all employees will receive their back pay as soon as possible.”

After speaking for about 15 minutes on the need for a wall or physical barrier on the southern border, Trump said this.

“We really have no choice but to build a powerful wall or steel barrier,” he said. “If we don’t get a fair deal from Congress the government will either shut down again on February 15th, or I will use the powers afforded to me by the U.S. Constitution to address this emergency.”

So far, there has been no announcement from Congress that any funds have yet been allocated or offered for a border wall.